MVP

Tag: tobacco smuggling

  • Tobacco smuggling — Surge in Tobacco Smuggling from Occupied Territories Raises Alarm

    Tobacco smuggling — Surge in Tobacco Smuggling from Occupied Territories Raises Alarm

    Tobacco smuggling cases from occupied territories have surged, prompting serious concern from authorities. Over the past year, both foreign visitors and residents from government-controlled areas have increasingly crossed into the occupied north to engage in this illicit trade.

    Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com

    Recently, at Paphos airport, a British man was intercepted just before his departure from the UK. Customs officials, acting on a tip-off, discovered a significant stash of tobacco products in his luggage. The haul included 135 cartons of 200 cigarettes each, along with four packets of 20 cigarettes and 500 grams of loose tobacco.

    Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com

    Authorities noted that the seized products lacked the required warning labels in both Greek and Turkish, as well as the essential security features and unique traceability codes. This violation of regulations led to the man’s arrest, and he was remanded in custody for four days following a court appearance.

    This incident follows a notable case from last month, where a Greek-Cypriot man attempted to smuggle hundreds of cigarette cartons through the Ayios Dhometios checkpoint. The growing trend of tobacco smuggling has raised alarms, as it not only breaks local laws but also poses health risks due to the unregulated nature of the products being transported.

    The rise in these smuggling activities reflects a larger issue that authorities are grappling with, as they seek to enforce regulations and ensure public health is not compromised. The implications of such smuggling extend beyond immediate legal concerns, highlighting the need for stricter monitoring and enforcement at borders.

  • Cigarettes: Significant Cigarette Seizures at Checkpoints Highlight Ongoing Smuggling Issues

    Cigarettes: Significant Cigarette Seizures at Checkpoints Highlight Ongoing Smuggling Issues

    Large quantities of cigarettes were confiscated at checkpoints as authorities continue to tackle smuggling operations. Three separate incidents reported by police on Monday revealed the extent of unregulated tobacco products being transported through Ayios Dometios and Famagusta.

    Cigarettes: Multiple Incidents Uncovered

    During a routine inspection on Saturday, customs officers investigated a vehicle driven by a Greek Cypriot man known for previous smuggling activities. The search resulted in the discovery of 50 packs of 20 heated cigarettes and 750g of rolling tobacco, all of which were promptly seized.

    The man was arrested and, upon giving his written consent, officers conducted a search of his residence. This led to the seizure of an additional 28 boxes of 200 cigarettes each, two boxes of 200 heated cigarettes, and another 500g of rolling tobacco. He was subsequently fined €3,500 for the offences.

    A Day of High Seizures in Famagusta

    On the preceding day, Famagusta police stopped a vehicle driven by a 58-year-old man who was carrying a substantial amount of cigarettes. Authorities confiscated 57 boxes of 200 cigarettes, three packs of 20 cigarettes, and rolling tobacco weighing a total of 2.64kg. After agreeing to an out-of-court settlement, the driver was released, having paid a fine of €5,000.

    Checkpoint Scrutiny Leads to Arrest

    In yet another incident, a taxi driven by a Turkish Cypriot, carrying an Israeli passenger, was inspected at the Ayios Dometios checkpoint. The inspection uncovered 67 boxes of 200 cigarettes each and four packs of 20 cigarettes each. The passenger was arrested, and the seized products were taken into custody.

    Following a one-day remand order issued by the Nicosia district court, the passenger was eventually fined €8,000, with the court considering his prior involvement in other offences when determining the penalty. The seized tobacco products were destroyed as part of the settlement.